by surprise

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Bilton was named to the post last week, an announcement that caught many in the media industry by surprise.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

And so when she hears it again, it takes her by surprise.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

These events are a reminder of how we are completely taken by surprise, and how such short spaces of time show the limits of traditional warning systems.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

And he vowed to "fight relentlessly" with further strikes that would catch Moscow by surprise.

From Barron's • May 17, 2026

It was just an articulation, tender and meaningful, of the thing that had caught us both by surprise.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama